Chapter 5 A New Prison

I was standing at the front door of the Levi home, the tall building enveloping me in a darkness that appeared to eat up all the light. The opulent double doors that had formerly given the impression of security now felt like the opening of a hungry, deep pit that was ready to swallow me whole.

I couldn't help but note the sharp contrast between the mansion's opulent interior and its intimidating facade as Vee guided me across the vast hall. A dozen elaborate chandeliers flickered their light on the smooth, mirror-like floors. I didn't feel comfortable despite the valuable artwork and elaborate tapestries that covered the walls. Everything felt awry. It shouted strength, dominance, and

Vee walked ahead of me without looking back, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Her silence made my pulse race. I wanted to speak, to ask questions, but what was the point? What could I say that would change anything?

My new room's door was heavy, and the handle was icy to the touch. My breath froze in my throat as I entered. It was a huge space, nearly too big for one person. The focal point was a huge bed with silk sheets so thin they seemed to sparkle in the low light. Leather-bound books that seemed as if they had been stored for years filled the bookcases that lined the walls. But it didn't matter. Not the luxurious furniture or the exquisite carpets that covered the wood flooring. I was the prisoner in that gilded cage.

Vee stepped inside after me, her eyes scanning the room as though she were inspecting a new possession. "This will be your home now," she said, her voice smooth but with an edge of authority that made it clear there was no room for defiance.

"What if I don't want it?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over. "What if I don't want to stay here?"

She met my gaze evenly, her expression "You have no other option." I started to argue, but my words became stuck in my throat. I was aware of her correctness. There was nothing I could do. That had been ensured by Alexander Levi. The debt of my father had doomed me.Even though I told myself, "I'm not a prisoner," I didn't believe it. Vee shrugged and added, "This has become your life now, but you can think of it whatever you like.", Vee remarked with a shrug. Soon enough, you will understand the rules.

I wanted to say something-anything-to challenge her, to tell her that I would fight back, that I wasn't like the others who had likely bowed to the Levi family's power. But deep down, I knew it was pointless. This was bigger than me. It was always going to be bigger than me.

With a final look around the room, Vee turned on her heel and walked toward the door. "I'll leave you to get settled. Don't leave this room. There are eyes everywhere."

There was silence when the door clicked behind her. My new world was like a smothering blanket pressing down on me. I didn't know how I was going to escape this situation. I had no idea who to believe, and I had no idea how to respond to someone like Alexander Levi. However, I would. In some way.

Pulling back the heavy velvet curtain, I walked to the wide window that spanned one wall and looked out. I was astounded by what I saw: a black pool glittering in the moonlight, rich gardens that appeared to stretch on forever, and beyond that, the tall trees that added to the mansion's sense of isolation.

There was no escape. The gates that had once opened for me were now closed. The only way out was through Alexander's control, and I had no idea how I could make that happen.

I ran a trembling hand through my hair, the weight of the situation sinking in deeper with each passing moment. I didn't belong here. This wasn't my world.

A knock on the door caught me off guard, and my heart leaped into my throat. I glanced nervously at the door before crossing the room to open it.

It was Vee again, holding a tray with what looked like dinner. "Eat. You'll need your strength for what comes next."

I crossed my arms and stated, "I'm not hungry."

She didn't flinch. "You will be. Eventually. I suggest you eat. Alexander doesn't like to be kept waiting."

The mention of his name made me tense. I felt concerned because of something in her tone that was a subliminal warning.

"All right," I answered softly. "Set it aside on the table."

Vee put the tray on the table and turned to go without saying anything, but she stopped as she got to the door. With a warning in her voice, she added, "And don't get any ideas." "You won't be as fortunate the next time you try to run."

I was about to ask her what she meant by that when she left, leaving me in the darkened room with her warning looming over me. For a moment, I stood there with my thoughts racing. Run? Had there been someone else? Had someone else tried to escape from this place before me?

I was plagued by the concept, but I didn't have time to think about it. I needed to concentrate. Think about how I would make it through this and how I could take back my life before it was too late. I walked up to the tray to maintain my strength, not because I was hungry. I had to be alert if I wanted to leave this place. I couldn't afford to become complacent or weak.

I sat at the table and pushed the food around on the plate, pretending to eat as I gathered my thoughts. I needed a plan.

The room was quiet, but I periodically noticed something out of the corner of my eye, such as a sound emanating from the corridor or a shadow moving just outside the window or a sound emanating from the hallway. I felt as though I wasn't alone myself. My heart pounding, I sprang to my feet, but the room was still empty. I persuaded myself that it was all in my head. I approached the window and gazed out into the garden. There might have been a way out. Despite their height, the mansion's walls were not impenetrable. I had to be able to take advantage of some flaw or vulnerability in the system.

But then, something caught my eye-a figure standing near the garden gate, watching the mansion.

I froze.

I could feel their weight on me even though the figure remained motionless. Was I being watched by anyone else? The figure abruptly moved forward and vanished into the darkness. Uncertain whether I had seen what I believed I had, I blinked. With my heart pounding in my chest, I turned my back on the window. However, a gentle rap on the door interrupted my plans to return to the bed. My throat tightened each breath. Vee wasn't here. My thoughts was racing as I stood motionless. Who was it? What were they looking for? I approached the door hesitantly, but as my palm made contact with the handle, the creaking sound of the door made my blood boil.

It was Alexander.